Kinship Refresher Evening November 2010

Kinships are what we do! It’s the place where we make disciples. It’s the place where we multiply disciples. It’s the place where we mobilise disciples. We are called to grow a church not just to gather a crowd.

What does this mean? You are valuable to us. You are part of the scaffolding that holds everything together. You help us to grow the church and to grow disciples.

We’re doing really well! Our 4 ways of belonging: Sundays Serving Giving Kinship 70% of people who belong to us are in kinship. Most of our newcomers were already in kinship.

Our Challenge To keep kinship distinctive. To keep on doing what we are doing – and to do it well. To pass the vision on to those who will follow after us. To stay healthy as leaders and team members!

Our challenge To keep the big picture in our minds. To keep the individual in our minds. There is a tension here.... We won’t duck it – we embrace it. Pastoral Structural

What makes a good kinship? In small groups what would you say are the ingredients of a healthy kinship? Can you identify a top six?

One: Worship Worship is a priority. We are seeking God’s face. We want to experience intimate, spirit-filled worship. We are teaching people how to worship. We are healed as we worship.

One: Worship Is our group developing a heart for worship? Ideas for how we might take people on that journey more effectively

Two: Ministry & gifts of the spirit Having an expectation that Jesus will come. Seeing people light up. Giving ministry priority - enough time. Doing ministry in different ways – mix it up. Continuing to teach people how to pray.

Two: Ministry & gifts of the spirit Do we give ministry enough time? Do we do ministry in different ways? Do we still teach people how to pray?

Three: Looking at the bible and living it Knowing the Bible as our standard for living. Making our study applicable to everyday life. Finding different ways in to the Bible. Encouraging each other to live out what we read.

Three: Looking at the bible and living it Do we see people wanting to be more like Jesus? Is our Bible teaching applicable to life? Are we encouraging people to live out what they learn? Are we accountable?

Four: Sharing & pastoral care Make sharing intentional in our planning. Help people to share at level 5. Maintaining confidentiality – and understanding how that works within WSVC. Pastoring not parenting. Practical care when needed. Managing the group dynamic.

Four: Sharing & pastoral care Do we offer opportunity to share at level 5? Is kinship a safe place to share? Do we see melting hearts? Is the practical care shared amongst the group?

Five: Growth & Multiplication Multiplication has a cost – but also bears fruit. Don’t look for someone like you – look for someone that was like you!

Five: Growth & Multiplication Who are your next leaders? Are you nervous of multiplication? Why?

Six: Socials & reaching out Take every excuse. Keep it varied. Think of your growing edge. Keep outward focussed – avoid being puppies in a box!

Six: Socials & reaching out What have you done recently? What have you got planned for this term? Who would you love to see at your kinship?